Reclining article of furniture



y 1, 1959 A. LORENZ 2,895,538

RECLINING ARTICLE OF FURNITURE Filed Feb. 28, 1957 s Sheets-Sheet 1 'INVENTOR. Anton Lorenz.

ATTORNEYS.

Filed Feb. 28. 1957 A. LORENZ RECLINING ARTICLE OF FURNITURE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. A nf on Lor erfz BY I zmflwe 9; ATTORNEYS July 21, 1959 A. LORENZ RECLINING ARTICLE OF FURNITURE 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 28, 1957 INVENTOR. Anton Lore nz ATTORNEYS Unite States This invention relates to an article of furniture such as a chair which is adjustable from an upright seating atent ;position to a more or less reclining position and which is provided with means for supporting the legs of the ocicupant when the body supporting elements are moved :to the reclining position.

It is the principal object of the invention to provide an improved construction in which the seating elements may be adjusted in a smooth and easy manner by change .of position of the occupant without substantial effort and in which all body supporting parts of the chair :are so coordinated as to automatically assume their de- ,SlICd relative positions to support the occupant most com- ;fortably. More specifically, a compound linkage is provided connected to the body supporting elements and the itleg rest for accomplishing the coordinated movements of tthese parts and provide for the proper forward and up- "ward movement of the leg rest. The linkage includes tfour pairs of cooperating links, members of at least two pairs of the links being pivoted to the stationary sup- }port and members of at least two pairs of links being pivoted to the leg rest. The four pairs of links are provided which produce a linkage having improved operating and structural characteristics. If found neces- :sary, duplicate linkage systems are employed adjacent to each side of the article, only one linkage system being illustrated however.

The invention is applicable both to constructions in which the back rest and seat of the chair are separate members pivoted in such a way that the angle between the same may be varied and to constructions in which the back rest and seat form a unit, rockably mounted on the fixed base of the article.

Other objects and structural details of the invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating certain preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a reclining arm chair according to the invention, one side frame being removed so as to show the linkage, the parts of the chair being shown in upright seating position;

Fig. 2 is a similar view of the construction shown in Fig. 1 with the parts in reclining position;

Figs. 3 and 4 are views similar to Figs. 1 and 2, respectively, showing a modified form of the invention;

Figs. 5 and 6 are views similar to Figs. 1 and 2 respectively, showing another modified form of the invention;

Figs. 7 and 8 are views similar to Figs. 1 and 2 respectively, showing an embodiment of the invention in which the back rest and seat of the chair constitute a single rockable unit; and

Figs. 9 and 10 are views similar to Figs. 1 and 2 re- .spectively, showing another modification of the invention.

. Referring to the drawings in detail, in all of the constructions shown, a stationary base or frame is provided,

indicated by the numeral 12. This may be of any suitable form and construction depending upon the style of furniture. As illustrated, it comprises side frames 14, one of which is omitted in the drawings so as to show the linkage construction. These frames are connected by cross pieces 16. Rockably mounted between the side frames 14 are the body supporting elements of the chair.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, the body supporting elements of the chair comprise a back rest 18, a seat 20 and a leg rest 22. The back rest is shown as pivoted on pivotal supporting means 24 and the seat is shown as provided with rearwardly projecting lugs 26 which are also pivoted to swing about the axis of the pivotal supports 24. Obviously, the pivotal supports of the back rest and chair seat need not be co-axial. Suitable linkage is provided which is actuated by swinging movements of the back rest for tilting the seat and advancing and raising the leg rest so that the positions of all of these parts will be properly coordinated when the occupant of the chair desired to occupy a more or less reclining position.

In the constructions shown in all the figures, a compound system of linkage is provided which is characterized by the presence of four pairs of links so arranged as to provide three connected series of linkages, each having four sides and embodying what may be termed pantograph linkages.

In the construction shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the first pair of links comprises links 28 and 30 pivoted together at point 32. The link 28 is shown as pivoted to the stationary frame at 24, co-axially with the pivotal axis of the back rest 18, and projecting below said axis. It is r-idigly attached to the back rest and moves when the back rest is moved. The second pair of links comprises the guide, supporting or master link 34 which is the first link of this pair of links and is pivoted to the stationary frame at 35. The second link of the second pair of links is the leg rest supporting link 36. This pair of links 34 and 36 are pivoted to each other at the point 38. The free end of link 30 of the first pair of links is pivoted at 40 to an intermediate point of the master link 34. The master link 34 has a rigid arm or extension 42 which carries a roller 44 upon which rests the seat 20. The third pair of links comprises a first link 46 and a second link 48. This pair of links is pivoted to each other at point 50 and the free end of the link 46 is pivoted at point 51 to an intermediate point of the second link 30 of the first pair of links. The fourth pair of links comprises a first link 52 and a second link 54 pivoted together at the point 56. The free end of link 52 is pivoted at point 58 to the free end of the second link 48 of the third pair of links. Where the link 48 of the third pair of links crosses the master link 34 it is pivoted thereto at point 59 and where the first link 52 of the fourth pair of links crosses the second link 36 of the second pair of links is pivoted thereto at the point 60. The second link 36 of the second pair of links is pivoted to the leg rest at point 62 and the second link of the fourth pair of links is pivoted to the leg rest at the point 64 which is spaced from the point 62 at a distance approximately equal to the distance of the pivot 56 from the pivot 60 so that the links will be approximately parallel. Parallelism is not essential but the proportions shown are generally desirable.

The construction shown in Figs. 3 and 4 embodies a linkage similar in many respects to that shown in Figs. 1 and 2 but differs therefrom in the following particulars: The first link 34a of the second pair of links does not have an extension carrying a seat engaging roller. Means for tilting the seat are provided in the form of an extension 68 carrying a roller 70, such extension being shown as part of the first link 52a of the fourth pair of links.

In the construction shown in Figs. and 6 a different arrangement is used for raising the seat when the back rest is ti lted from that shown in Figs. 1 and 2. this c truction, thefi'rst link 34a of the second pair of links not'pr'oyided with an extension carrying a seat "engaging r'oller but a seat'control link 901's provided which is pivoted to the seat at one end 92 and is pivoted at its other end to thefp'oint 88 where the link 34a is pivoted to the link 76 of the third pair of links. The linkage for supporting the leg rest is also somewhat different in the r on'stru'ction shown in Figs. 5 and'6 in that the second link 76.0f the third pair of links is a long link pivoted at its free end directly to the leg rest at point 62. On the other hand, the second link of the second pair of links is alshort link 74 which is pivoted at an'intermedi'ate point 36 of the link 78fwhich is the'first link of the fourth-pair "of links. The secondlink 'tlll of the fourth p'air'of links is pivoted at82 to the'link 78 and at its free end to the leg rest at 64.

Figs. 7 and 8 show a chair construction'in'which the backrest 18a and seat 20a do not move relatively to of links comprises a link 28a which is pivoted at 33'to thestationary frame and has an extension '110 above the pivot which is connected by a link 106 to the rockable seating unit 100 at the point 112 which is a substantial distance above the center of rocking movement of the unit at'104. Thelink 106 is pivoted at 108 to the extension 11 0. The second link 30a of the first pair of links is pivoted at 32a to link 28a and at 40 to link 34a of the second pair of links. Links 46a and 76 comprises a third pair of links and links 7811 and 80a comprises the fourth pair of links, The second link of the second pair of links is the link 74a pivoted at 38 to link 34a and at 86 to link 78a.

Figs. 9 and show another construction in which the "back rest 18a and seat 20a, are combined in a unitary rockable unit 100. In this case, the unit 100 is not directly pivoted to the stationary frame but is supported at its rear portion upon extension arm 114 of the first link28a of the first pair of links and it is pivoted to such extension arm at point 116. The link 2811 is pivoted to 'the' stationary frame at point 33a. The forward part of the bodysupporting unit 100 is carried by a seat link 118' which'is pivoted'to the seat at point 120 and to the stationary frame at'point 122. All of the other parts of the linkage shown in Figs. 9 and 10 are the same as corresponding partsshown in Figs. 7 and 8.

It Will be apparent, that in all the constructions shown,

'thefirst link of the firstpair of links and the first link of the second pair of links are pivoted to the stationary frame and also that there is a connection from a movable seating element which causes these links to swing about their pivotal points on the frame when the seating element is moved. 'In Figs. 1 to 6" the firstlink' of the first pair of links is pivoted to the frame to swing about axis 24. In

Figs. 7 and 8 the first link of the first pair of links swings about axis 33 and Figs. 9 and 10 about axis 33a. The third and fourth pair of links are in all instances carried byfthe links of the first and second pairsof links.

'Asystem is thus provided which comprises three pantograph groups, the first of which is bounded by elements of the first link of the second pair of links, the second link of the first pair of links, the second link of the third pair of links and a connecting link'constituting the first 'link 'of the third pair of links. This pantograph unit is located in rear of the first link of the second pair of links which is pivoted to'and s'upported'by'the stationary frame. The second pantograph arrangement'in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 andi4 is formed elements'of the first linkof the second pair of links, the second link "of the third pair of "links,

the first link of the fourth pair of links and thesecond link of the second pair of links. The third pantograph arrangement in the construction shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 comprises elements of the second link of the second pair of links, the first and second links of the fourth pair of links and the leg rest itself. Both of the second two pantograph systems are located forwardly of the first link of the second pairof links.

In Figs. 5 to 10 the second two pantograph arrangements of linkage forwardly of the first link of the second pair of links are comprised respectively by portions of the first link of said second pair of links, portionsof the second link of the third pair of links and of the first link of the fourth pair of links and of a'short'link comprising the second link of the second pair of links and the third pantograph arrangement comprises parts of the second link of the third pair of links, the first and second links 'ofjthefourth-pair oflinks and the leg rest itself.

From the foregoing, it'will be seen that .in-some-consanctions-(Figs. 'lto 4') the leg rest-is carried directlyby "members-of thesecond and fourth pairs of links while-in other constructions l (Figs. '5 to 10), the leg rest is attached to members of the third and fourthrp'airs of links.

I have described-preferred embodiments of myinv'en- 't'io'n,' but it is un'dcrstood'that this disclosure is for'the putpose "of illustration, and that various omissions or changes in shapefproportion and arrangements ofyparts, as'well' as the substitution of equivalent elements for those herein shown and described may be made without departing-from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth the appended claims.

1. "An articlebf repose for supporting the body of: a person comprising a stationary support, body supporting members operatively connected to said support, said body supporting} members including a back rest-member-iand a seat member, a leg rest" member; and a' system -'of linkage for connecting said members'a'nd causing'coordinated movement thereof when it is desiredto change theLpo'sitions of the body'supporting members in accordance with "the wishes of the occupant, said system of 'linkage' ineluding a first pair of links pivoted to each other, the "first link of said pair being operatively connected with a body supporting member so as to be actuated 'when said body supporting member is moved, a second pair of 'links'pivoted to each other; the first link of .said second pair being pivoted at oneendto the stationary support and being pivoted between its ends'to the free 1 end 'of'the second link of the first p air,'a'third"pair of links pivoted to each other, the first linkof: s'aid third pairof'links being pivoted to the second link of the first pair of links at an intermediate point of the length of the latter, the'second link of the third pair oflinks and thefirst'link of the second pair of'links crossing each other at intermediate points of the lengths of such-links -and"being" pivoted together atsuchcrossing' point, and a fourth pair of links pivoted' to'each"other, 'the first' link "'of'said fourth pair orlinks being pivoted at'sp'ac'ed points to a link of the second pair of links and to a link of the third pair of-links, the leg'r'est being pivoted at 's'paced points from front to rear of the said leg rest, respectively *to the second link of one of-said second and third pairs {1f links andtothe second link of the four'thair of inks.

2. A construction as claimed in'claim 1 in which the back rest member and the seat member are pivotally mourited {on said stationary support and are adjustable with-respectito said support and to each other, and-there is a'connection from the linkagesystem to" the seat memher for tilting the same when theback rest member=is m o f the' second pair of links at a-distance from"=the point Where said link is pivoted to the stationary support, said roller engaging the said seat member.

4. A construction as claimed in claim 1 in which the leg rest is pivoted to the second link of the second pair of links, and the first link of the fourth pair of links is pivoted to the second link of the third pair of links and crosses the second link of the second pair of links intermediate the length thereof and is pivoted to said link at said crossing point.

5. A construction as claimed in claim 4 in which the first link of the fourth pair of links has an extension carrying a member for engaging and lifting the seat.

6. A construction as claimed in claim 1 in which the leg rest is pivoted at spaced points from front to rear thereof, respectively to the second link of the third pair of links and to the second link of the fourth pair of links.

7. A construction as claimed in claim 1 in which the seat and back rest constitute a unitary member swingably mounted on the frame.

8. A construction as claimed in claim 7 in which the seat and back rest unit is mounted on a rigid extension of the first link of the first pair of links extending above the pivotal point of said first link on the frame.

9. A construction as claimed in claim 7 in which the leg rest is pivoted at spaced points from front to rear thereof, respectively to the second link of the third pair of links and to the second link of the fourth pair of links, the first link of the fourth pair of links being pivoted at one end to an intermediate point to the second link of the third pair of links, the second link of the second pair of links being pivoted to a point on the first link of the fourth pair of links between the points at which said first link of said fourth pair of links is pivoted respectively to the second links of the third and fourth pairs of links.

10. An article of repose for supporting the body of a person comprising: a stationary support, body support ing members operatively connected to said support, said body supporting members including a back rest member and a seat member, a leg rest member, and a system of linkage for connecting said members and causing coordinated movement thereof when it is desired to change the positions of the body supporting members in accordance with the wishes of the occupant, said system of linkage including four pairs of links interconnected with each other, to said stationary support, to said body supporting members and to said leg rest member, the first links of the first and second pairs of links being pivoted to said stationary support at points spaced from each other, at least one of said first links being operatively connected to a body supporting member so as to move when said body supporting member moves, the second links of said first and second pairs being pivoted respectively to the first links of said pairs, the free end of the second link of said second pair of links being pivoted to said leg rest, the first link of the fourth pair of links crossing the said second link of the second pair of links and being pivoted thereto at the crossing point, the second link of the fourth pair of links being pivoted at its rear end to the first link of the fourth pair of links, and being pivoted at its other end to the leg rest at a point spaced from the pivotal connection between the leg rest and the second link of the second pair of links, the third pair of links being pivoted to each other, the free end of the first link or the third pair of links being pivoted to the second link of the first pair of links, the second link of the third pair of links being pivoted at its free end to the first link of the fourth pair of links and crossing the first link of the second pair of links and being pivoted thereto at such crossing point, portions of the second link of the first pair of links, the first link of the second pair of links, the first link of the third pair of links, and the second link of the third pair of links constituting a first pantograph group in rear of the first link of the second pair of links, portions of the first link of the second pair of links, the second link of the second pair of links, the second link of the third pair of links, and the first link of the fourth pair of links constituting a second pantograph group forwardly of said first link of the second pair of links, and portions of the second link of the second pair of links, the first link of the fourth pair of links, the second link of the fourth pair of links and the leg rest constituting a third pantograph group.

11. An article of repose for supporting the body of a person comprising: a stationary support, body supporting members operatively connected to said support, said body supporting means including a back rest member and a seat member, a leg rest member, and a system of linkage for connecting said members and causing coordinated movement thereof when it is desired to change the positions of the body supporting members in accordance with the wishes of the occupant, said system of linkage including four pairs of links interconnecting with each other, to said stationary support, to said body supporting members and to said leg rest member, the first links of the first and second pairs of links being pivoted to said stationary support at points spaced from each other, at least one of said first links being operatively connected to a body supporting member so as to move when said body supporting member moves, the second links of said first and second pairs being pivoted respectively to the first links of said pairs, the second link of the first pair of links being pivoted at its forward end to the first link of the second pair of links, the links of the third pair of links being pivoted to each other at one end, the first link of said third pair being pivoted at its free end to the second link of the first pair, the second link of the third pair being pivoted at its free end to the leg rest member, the links of the fourth pair being pivoted to each other at one end, the first link of the fourth pair being pivoted at its free end to the sec-ond link of the third pair, the second link of the fourth pair being pivoted at its free end to the leg rest member at a point spaced from the point at which the second link of the third pair is pivoted thereto, the second link of the second pair of links being pivoted at its free end to the first link of the fourth pair.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,672,919 Luckhardt May 23, 1954 2,693,845 Hofliman Nov. 9, 1954 2,781,824 Lorenz Feb. 19, 1957 2,781,825 Lorenz Feb. 19, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 724,384 Great Britain Feb. 16, 1955 

